Theme of the Seminar

Autism is neither a disorder nor a disability but a condition experienced by those on the spectrum. It continues to challenge us; both professionals and caregivers alike. What is autism? Is it neurological dysfunction, semantic pragmatic disorder, behaviour disorder, sensory dysfunction, genetic mutation, heavy metal pile up, leaky gut syndrome, gluten/casein allergy playing havoc, or a kind of learning disability? Many hypotheses abound. We have a vast body of research to find out the possible cause and treatment. However we are still groping and searching for a breakthrough. So many questions are unanswered.

How to explain the epidemic like rising incidence – ten times since Leo Kanner’s era? Logically all the other conditions should exhibit a similar trend, whereas now autism is more common than Cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome combined? How do persons on the spectrum dazzle us with their brilliant minds? An incredible savant on the spectrum was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, the report gave him a mental age of 3 when he was 10 years old. Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell commented that “when hammer is the tool, screw becomes a nail”.

Healing Autism: The Spiritual Dimension is providing you with a paradigm shift, starting from the core outward; from Spirit to mind and body. We have now a growing body of evidence that cannot be ignored. Our guides have been the children themselves, who though not significant in numbers statistically, cannot be discounted. From one bone of a woolly mammoth, scientists conclude that these elephants roamed Siberia.

Healing is different from treating. While treating, the child is considered as the symptom bearer , the doctor or therapist does not undergo any change. The healer participates in the healing process, many children on the autism spectrum are great healers themselves. They tell us they have chosen this powerful tool that is autism to work on the inner engineering. The lesson they teach is “Unconditional Love” and acceptance. We need to evolve teaching methodologies and training program in resonance with this philosophy. The persons on the spectrum have waited for so long, we owe it to them.

At last we have answer to why autism will continue to rise in the future.

We conclude with a poem by Rudolf Steiner that sums up the essence of Autism.

The Stars once spoke to Man

It is world Destiny they are silent now

To be aware of this silence

Can become pain for earthly Man

But in the deepening silence

There grows and ripens

What Man speaks to the stars

To be aware of this speaking

Can become strength for spirit of man

Objective of the Seminar

We have planned lectures and workshops to deal the following topics.

How to increase the Joy Quotient in the lives of persons on the spectrum?

Does non verbal mean non oral? How to utilize the inner speech in communication?

Can technology be of use to tap the inner potential?

What are the preparations needed
a) before entering the personal space,
b) Before entering into a dialogue with those on the spectrum?

Time tested healing practices gleaned through ages.

How to keep higher vibrating children grounded to perform in society.

How to stay centered?

How to keep positive /higher vibrations in abundance?

Resource Persons: Tentative list and topics

Organizers:

Mythily Chari, M.Ed., Ed.S (USA)

Maj. Gen C.T.Chari, AVSM, PhD.

Nandini Santhanam, Co-founder Lotus Foundation

Vijay Kant, Co-founder Lotus Foundation

Srinivasan Anandan. Technical Support

Key Speakers
(Subject to change)

Chief Guest: Justice Prabha Sridevan (retd.)

Mythily Chari M.Ed., Ed.S (USA) “Insights into Autism ” based on nearly 30 years of experience.

Dr. Aboobacker. C.P Key note speaker “Autism Revisited”Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Retired as civil surgeon from Kerala Government Health Service. Author of “Autism is different” and “Dyslexia Demystified”. He has presented many papers in International forum on science and spirituality.

Dr.Shailesh Pangaonkar MD. Director Central Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Nagpur will give a lecture on “Understanding Autism: Beyond Physical Dimension”.Dr Pangaonkar will be conducting a workshop in collaboration with IRIS.

Ms. Thasleem Farzana Co-Founder Divya Rasa Charitable Trust, Experienced yogini, spiritual channeliser who has channeled a number of spiritual poems originating from various siddhas and sages, two from the collection deal specifically with autism. According to her, kids with autism being born in increasing numbers are the messengers and light bearers of the changes leading humanity to New Age. She will present Spiritual and Metaphysical aspect of Project Love, the Residential Project at Tiruvannamalai.

Dr. P.Jeyachandran director Vijay Human Services will give a lecture and demo on “How to modify Yoga for children with Autism”.

Dr. Perepa Prithvi PhD, Special Education (UK) Creative Movements to use with people on the Spectrum for developing social skills.

Kalaimamani O.S. Arun A friend of Autism community, has involved the children in his musical journey. “Teaching Music to Children on the Spectrum.”

Dr. Partheebhan Kanagasabai Sidha practitioner, director Swabhiman, Palavakakm, Chennai. He will talk on “Holistic Solutions for Autism” followed by a workshop.

Uma Reiki practitioner “Pranic Healing”Shiji mother of Chandrakant, is helping 4 more children to communicate using Facilitated Communication, these children have chosen her as their facilitator.

“My role as a facilitator towards savants”Nirupama Rao Director Niramaya, Mumbai “Obstacles to Healthy Incarnation, with reference to Children with ASD and ADHD” in the light of Anthroposophy.

Ms. Vasanthi Balaji Special educator consultant, has worked with many children with autism in mainstream settings.
Her talk is based on“Living the experience and experiencing the living in Autism”.

Srinivasan Anandan has more than a decade of experience in the IT sector,is a consultant trainer for Digiterati and works with children with autism. He will talk on “Using technology to unleash the potential of children on the spectrum”.

Register for Event: Healing Autism: The Spiritual Dimension

About I.R.I.S.

IRIS provides consultancy and training services to schools, parents, organizations, governmental agencies working with special needs populations and individuals with special needs. The focus of our organization is to train professionals, parents and educators in dealing with developmental and behavioural disorders such as Autism, Asperger's Syndrome. It is also our goal to promote the cause of Autism and the needs of special needs children in India by helping create the infrastructure and train the professionals needed for Special Education.